Psalms 131: A Calm and Quiet Soul
Happy new week!
This week, we'll explore my favorite Psalm—the brief but powerful Psalm 131.
Scripture
Psalm 131 is titled A Song of Ascents. Of David. According to Christian theologians, there are two possible occasions for its composition.
The first may be when Saul hunted David, and David was repeatedly accused of ambition for the throne of Israel.
The second may be David’s in response to his wife, Michal, when she accused him of being vulgar and undignified after he danced in the procession of bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:16-23).
Whatever the occasion was, this short Psalm is a beautiful denial of pride, arrogance, and selfish ambition.
In Charles Spurgeon words,
It is one of the shortest Psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn. It speaks of a young child, but it contains the experience of a man in Christ.
Observation
This Psalm paints a beautiful picture of humility and contentment in God. David, despite his accomplishments and future destiny, uses this Psalm to reject pride, arrogance, and selfish ambition.
Several key themes emerge from this short Psalm:
The rejection of pride and arrogance: David explicitly states that his heart is not haughty, nor his eyes lofty. He recognizes the danger of pride, which can lead to arrogance and a sense of superiority over others.
The renunciation of selfish ambition: David chooses not to concern himself with "great matters" or things beyond his reach. He understands the importance of staying within his lane, focusing on the tasks and responsibilities God has given him, rather than striving for positions or achievements beyond his current season.
The embrace of contentment: David's soul is "calmed and quieted," like a weaned child finding solace in its mother's arms. This image speaks of a deep satisfaction and rest in God's presence, a contentment that doesn't depend on external circumstances or achievements.
The call to hope in the Lord: David extends this invitation to all of Israel, urging them to place their hope in the Lord, not in themselves, their own wisdom, or their accomplishments. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast trust in God's faithfulness, both now and for eternity.
Application
In a world fixated on achievement, status, and self-promotion, Psalm 131 stands as a refreshing counter-cultural anthem. It beckons us toward a different way of being—a life characterized by humility and contentment in God.
Renouncing Pride and Arrogance
David's first declaration is a renunciation of pride and arrogance.
LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty.
Pride is the root of all sin, the original rebellion against God. It is the insidious belief that we are self-sufficient, that we don't need God. Arrogance is pride's outward expression, the haughty look that despises others and exalts oneself.
Scripture repeatedly warns us against pride. Proverbs 16:18 tells us, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." And James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
We must ruthlessly examine our hearts for any trace of pride and arrogance. Do we compare ourselves to others, secretly reveling in our perceived superiority? Do we crave recognition and applause? Do we bristle at correction or criticism? These are the telltale signs of pride.
Rejecting Selfish Ambition
In this Psalm, David also renounces selfish ambition.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.
Ambition in itself is not evil. But when it becomes selfish, when it is driven by a desire for power, position, or recognition, it becomes a snare.
Jesus warned his disciples against seeking the best seats at banquets (Luke 14:7-11). He taught them to take the lowest place and wait for God to exalt them. This is the way of humility. It is not about passively accepting mediocrity, but about surrendering our ambitions to God and trusting him to order our steps.
We must ask ourselves,
What are our ambitions driven by?
Are we seeking to serve God and others, or are we primarily concerned with our own advancement and recognition?
Are we content with the place God has assigned us, or are we constantly striving for something bigger and better?
Embracing Contentment
In embracing contentment, David declares
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother.
This is the heart of the Psalm, the essence of its message. David has found contentment in God. He is not restless or striving, but rests in the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father.
This contentment is not a passive resignation to fate. It is an active choice, a deliberate surrender of our anxieties and ambitions to God. It is the fruit of a deep trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us the secret of contentment in Paul's letter to the Church of Philippi
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Contentment is not about our circumstances, but about our relationship with God. It is finding our satisfaction in him, regardless of what life throws our way.
Hoping in the Lord
David concludes with an exhortation to Israel: "O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever." This is the key to cultivating humility and contentment. When our hope is firmly fixed on God, we are freed from the tyranny of pride and ambition. We can rest in his love and trust in his provision.
Lamentations 3:24 reminds us
The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
And Psalm 37:5 encourages us
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Our hope must be in the Lord alone, not in our own abilities, possessions, or achievements. He is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer. When we trust in him, we can face any storm with confidence and peace.
This is how we have a calm and quiet soul in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times when I have allowed pride and selfish ambition to rule my heart.
Lord, help me to cultivate a spirit of humility and contentment, like a weaned child finding peace in your presence.
Father, wean me from our dependence on worldly achievements and possessions.
Lord, teach me to find our ultimate satisfaction in you alone.
Father, fill me with your peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.
Lord, may my life be a testament to your goodness and grace, as I walk humbly with you, now and forever more.
Song of the Week
Give Me Jesus by UPPERROOM, Abbie Gamboa
Album of the Week
MATIN: Turn by Jess Ray
Have a lovely week!
With the love of Christ,
Fumnanya